A good painting contractor will produce better results than most DIYers—and finish faster. But because they don't have to pay for their own labor, lots of homeowners grab rollers and brushes. Before taking the painting plunge, consider the following.

Whether it’s routine or an emergency, sometimes you need a good plumber. Fortunately, we’ve found many excellent plumbing outfits in the area, including many that not only rate best for quality work, but also are among the lowest in price.

In our surveys of area consumers who have used electricians, too many comments include the words “incompetent,” “no-show,” “overcharged,” and “unresponsive.” Although our ratings reveal outfits to avoid, they also identify several you can count on.